How does China's iron concentrate supply-demand balance affect desulfurized product availability?

How does China's iron concentrate supply-demand balance affect desulfurized product availability?
China consumes well over a billion tonnes of iron concentrate equivalent annually, yet domestic output is fragmented, low-grade and costly to upgrade. Imports have stayed above 100 million tonnes for years, led by Australia, Brazil, Peru, Canada and South Africa, which together account for roughly 70 percent of volumes. That dependence means domestic desulfurization capacity is a strategic lever, not just a processing step. Concentrate is largely sold spot, with prices tracking imported ore and regional freight. Because most producers sell locally, competition is regional rather than national, so desulfurized supply tightness shows up first as a local price spike.